I Did the Math. You Can’t Afford to Leave America. Sorry.

A friend told me last month she was “seriously thinking about Portugal.” She knows I’m also “seriously thinking about Spain.” I was in Barcelona in January, just to check out the vibe.

I can say hands down Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen, but I’m not sure about moving there. It‘s kind of touristy.

I know how hypocritical that sounds coming from a tourist, but I completely understand why Spanish people have had enough of tourists and their shenanigans. Still, they shouldn’t be throwing water at them, just saying. I was wearing a white shirt, come on.

Anyway, she said Portugal. I asked how she chose that specific country and turns out Portugal has the most Californian weather you can find in Europe. I’ve never heard a better argument.

So I switched my attention to Lisbon, but apparently tons of Americans switched their attention to Lisbon way before me and now the place is a gentrified financial hell where rent for a one bedroom is close to $2,000. How long until the Portuguese start throwing water at tourists? Can’t be long now, I’m pretty sure of that.